MADRID / BERNABÉU — In a dramatic mid‑week showdown at the Santiago Bernabéu, Manchester City came from behind to defeat Real Madrid 2‑1, intensifying pressure on Real Madrid’s manager Xabi Alonso and casting serious doubts over his continued tenure.
Real looked sharp early. With their star forward Rodrygo Goes breaking a long goal drought, he gave Madrid the lead in the 28th minute finishing low, across the keeper, to reward a well‑constructed team move.
But City responded with urgency. In the 35th minute, a wayward header by Madrid’s defence left the ball loose which City’s Nico O'Reilly tapped home to equalise. Just eight minutes later, a foul on Erling Haaland in the box earned a penalty, which Haaland converted to put City ahead before the break.
The second half offered scant relief for a beleaguered Real side. Despite efforts to turn the tide including the introduction of younger players and attacking substitutions they lacked cutting edge and creativity. A late header from 19‑year‑old substitute Endrick sailed just over the bar. The Bernabéu crowd’s frustration was palpable.
For Manchester City, the win while far from perfect illustrates resilience and opportunism. For Real Madrid, though, the result is potentially catastrophic: just weeks after losing at home in La Liga, the club now faces growing unrest, uncertainty, and mounting calls for change at the top.
Alonso’s record just two wins from his last eight matches across competitions has fueled speculation that this defeat may mark the beginning of the end of his spell as Madrid coach. The club’s elite status and intense expectations leave little room for error.
As the Champions League group stage enters its final phase, all eyes will be on Real Madrid’s next match and on whether club leadership will endure or act. A loss of confidence in the dugout could trigger a swift shake‑up at a club that demands nothing less than excellence.